Washington State Releases Guide On Pregnancy Accommodations

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Washington State Office of the Attorney General has recently published a Guide outlining pregnant employees' civil rights under the Washington "Healthy Starts Act," a law which became effective July 23, 2017.

Under the Healthy Starts Act, employers with at least 15 employees in the state of Washington must provide certain accommodations to pregnant works, regardless of a disability, and the Act provides a list of nine accommodations to be considered, including:

1. Providing more frequent, longer, or flexible restroom breaks;
2. Modifying a no food or drink policy;
3. Providing seating or allowing the employee to sit more frequently if her job requires her to stand; and